As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their Week 3 clash against the Baltimore Ravens, the team is dealing with a host of injuries that could impact their performance on the field. The Cowboys, who started practicing with caution, have key players such as CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs nursing injuries.
Key Players Missing Practice
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs both missed practice, with Lamb sidelined due to an ankle injury and Diggs out with a foot issue. Despite their absences from practice, both players were seen moving around the locker room without obvious discomfort, providing a glimmer of hope for Cowboys fans.
Head coach Mike McCarthy addressed their conditions, stating, "He's going to start off in the pre-practice and then we'll evaluate from there. Hopefully, he can get through the whole practice and see how it goes. This is the first time giving it a chance." A clearer understanding of their readiness for Sunday's game is expected after Thursday’s padded practice.
The Rehabilitation Process
Meanwhile, cornerback DaRon Bland was spotted at practice, albeit working on the side with the team's director of rehab, Britt Brown. Bland, who missed the Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints following a procedure for a stress fracture in his foot, is in the process of returning to full fitness. Bland's absence was sorely felt as the Cowboys' defense conceded touchdowns on each of the Saints' first six drives in Week 2.
McCarthy elaborated on the defensive struggles, indicating potential gaps left by injured players. "Jake's a big part of the heart and soul of that locker room. No question about it. I was told he had a good workout today. That's good news. But we'll see how he comes in tomorrow and so forth. I'm hopeful he can play."
Jake Ferguson's Limited Participation
Tight End Jake Ferguson was another player limited in practice. Ferguson, who suffered a bone bruise and MCL sprain during the second half of the Cowboys' Week 1 victory against the Browns, also missed the Week 2 game against the Saints. Speaking about Ferguson’s role and impact, quarterback Dak Prescott said, "Everywhere. I guess you can say that those young tight ends [Schoonmaker and undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford] did a good job. Simply, they did a good job. As I've said throughout the week, Jake's more than just a tight end on Sunday. He's an aggressor. He brings a physical nature to this group. He's got a mentality that other guys feed off of, that's very contagious, but those other guys did play well. They did their job and stepped up. They made some plays, but [the game] just got away from us."
New Concerns Emerge
Adding to the Cowboys’ injury woes, rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith left practice early on Wednesday with a back injury. The extent of Smith's injury remains to be seen, but early exits from practice rarely bode well for a Sunday game.
As the Cowboys approach the critical Week 3 matchup against the Ravens, the health status of key players is a significant concern. However, there seems to be cautious optimism within the camp. The hope is that Thursday's padded practice will provide a clearer picture and possibly bring some good news for the team and its fans.
In the words of McCarthy, "This is the first time giving it a chance." The team remains hopeful that the treatments and recovery protocols will see key players return to the field, ready to contribute to what promises to be a challenging encounter against a formidable Baltimore Ravens side.